During the Edo period, Kurashiki became a prosperous area as it was designated as a direct territory of the shogunate, known as “Tenryo.”
The event held there is the “Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival.” It will celebrate its 49th edition in the first year of Reiwa (2019).
The main venue will be Kurashiki Chuo-dori, from Kurashiki City Art Museum to JR Kurashiki Station, where the summer festival will be lively with the “Daikan Bayashi Dance” and “OH! Daikan Bayashi Dance.”
Due to the heavy rain in July 2018, the “Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival” was canceled that year.
Therefore, the event on July 20, 2019, will be held for the first time in two years.
We will introduce the atmosphere of the “Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival,” which is packed with the essence of Kurashiki!
What is the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival?
It is said that the summer festival “Bon Odori Taikai” began in 1971 (Showa 46) when a yagura was set up in front of the old city hall and started in the form of a bon dance.
The “Bon Odori Taikai” later changed its venue from the 13th edition in 1983 (Showa 58) to the current form dancing on the station front central street, and the name was changed to “Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival” through a public recruitment from the citizens of Kurashiki.
“Kurashiki Tenryo Taiko,” “Chitosegaku,” and “Suinkyo” are representative events of Kurashiki, and at night, the “Daikan Bayashi Dance” and “OH! Daikan Bayashi Dance” are highlights of this summer festival representing Kurashiki.
The 49th Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival
On July 20, 2019.
There were concerns about rain on the day, but fortunately, it did not rain during the day, and the event was held successfully.
On the day of the “Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival,” the “Saturday Night Market” was also held simultaneously. Lanterns were hung in the shopping street, and food stalls lined the streets.
As the evening approached, more and more people gathered.
People in yukata and foreigners gathered, creating a lively atmosphere!
The Final Selection of the 37th Kurashiki Komachi
The final selection of the “37th Kurashiki Komachi” was held in the center court on the first floor of the commercial facility “Ario Kurashiki.”
“Kurashiki Komachi” promotes Kurashiki at various events inside and outside Okayama Prefecture.
Families and friends of the candidates, as well as photographers, gathered, creating a lively atmosphere.
Ten candidates made it to the final selection.
It looks splendid when the candidates for “Kurashiki Komachi” are lined up in yukata!
From this group, three will be selected as “Kurashiki Komachi.”
The candidates introduced themselves by giving speeches in English about the charm of Kurashiki, performing their favorite dances, and playing volleyball.
Despite their nervousness, the ten candidates smiled on stage and did their best to appeal.
Rikako Kato delivered her speech clearly.
Ai Harada delivered her speech calmly with a smile.
Mone Matsumoto showcased her skills by tossing the ball, utilizing her experience as a member of the volleyball team.
The sash of “Kurashiki Komachi” was passed from the 36th Kurashiki Komachi, Mari Nakahara, to the three new 37th Kurashiki Komachi.
I am really looking forward to seeing how these three, looking fresh and new, will grow over the next year and promote the charm of Kurashiki!
The Atmosphere of Kurashiki Chuo-dori
The main dance venue, “Kurashiki Ekimae O-dori,” was closed to vehicle traffic from 4 PM to 10 PM.
Usually, vehicles pass through, but “Kurashiki Chuo-dori” became the dance venue.
The “Suinkyo” wearing masks of “Jiji” and “Baba” walked around, hitting children on the head with red fans.
It is said that being hit on the head with the fan held by Suinkyo brings “good fortune,” and this is a customary sight at the Kurashiki festival.
The Atmosphere of Kurashiki Chitosegaku
The procession has begun!
The procession of “Kurashiki Chitosegaku” is a must-see.
"Chitosegaku" is equipped with a drum in the center of the portable shrine, with pillars erected at the four corners, and a square futon placed on top.
While singing songs, they parade with a unique way of carrying using their necks.
The carriers included not only young men but also children and women.
By the way, this author saw "Chitosegaku" for the first time, but felt like "I've seen this somewhere before...".
That was at the Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan!
I remembered seeing a miniature display of the procession of the autumn festival's divine procession.
Comparing the miniature model with the real thing, I was once again impressed by the exquisite craftsmanship of the miniature model, while also being overwhelmed by the power of the live "Chitosegaku"!
The Appearance of "Daikan Bayashi Dance"
At 6 PM, the main event "Daikan Bayashi Dance" began.
About 1,600 people began to walk while dancing.
"Deereekoccha" and "Bokkee" are abundant in the lyrics of the "Daikan Bayashi Dance," which uses "Okayama dialect"!
By the way, "Deere" and "Bokkee" mean "amazing!"
After two years, the "Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival" was held, and the dancers looked happy as they danced.
The matching happi costumes typical of summer festivals are very colorful.
The cool yukata outfits also add charm to the venue.
The synchronized dance formation is truly breathtaking.
For about an hour, a lively line of dancers continued.
From 7 PM, the dance transitioned to a rock-style "OH! Daikan Bayashi" aimed at attracting many young people to the summer festival in Kurashiki.
A total of about 3,000 people danced for over two hours on "Kurashiki Chuo-dori".
Conclusion
In July 2019, the lively summer festival "Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival" was held for the first time in two years, and it felt like the vibrant daily life of "Kurashiki" had returned.
Full of Kurashiki's charm, this was my first time participating, and I had a great time!
I hope that the lively state of Kurashiki's "now" was conveyed even a little through the "Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival".
As of July 2019, Mabi in Kurashiki City, which suffered significant damage from the heavy rain in July 2018, is in the process of recovery.
As we walk towards recovery, I would be happy if the message "Kurashiki is doing well" could be conveyed even a little.
Data of the 49th Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival
| Name | 49th Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | July 20, 2019 |
| Location | Kurashiki Chuo-dori |
| Homepage | 49th Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival |
